AVISTA: Economy refutes rate request

Regarding Avista's rate-increase request: It's wrong. Considering the state of the economy it is absurd to grant this publicly traded, for profit enterprise any increase. There is no question in my mind that the increases are to offset their temporary cost of doing business.

Generation costs fluctuate year to year, that's to be expected. Sustained cost increases that could harm the company understandably require consideration, water flow is not a sustained impact on their cost to do business. The Lancaster improvements are targeted, these will help them to improve delivery and to service a larger customer base. Why should the public pay?

I am appalled by this proposed settlement, it is an arrogant breach of public trust. Think about the people of this state who are making the decision between heating their homes and feeding their children, then think about how much money is paid to the board of directors of Avista Corporation, the Commission should be ashamed.

REID HARLOCKER

Hayden Lake